What the 2022 Dodge Charger offers in fuel economy and emissions

The 2022 Dodge Charger comes in five engine choices, each with different fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. The base model uses a 3.6-liter V6 that gets 16 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway when paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The mid-range 5.7-liter V8 drops to 16 city and 25 highway. The high-performance 6.2-liter V8 (in the Hellcat trim) gets 12 city and 20 highway. A 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder option sits between the base V6 and the 5.7-liter V8 in both power and efficiency. Dodge also offered a plug-in hybrid version in 2022 with a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with an electric motor, rated at 25 city and 32 highway when running on gasoline alone.

Emissions vary by engine and model year compliance. All 2022 Chargers meet federal Tier 3 emissions standards, which limit nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. The plug-in hybrid produces zero tailpipe emissions when running on battery power alone, though total emissions depend on your local power grid's energy sources. Standard gasoline models produce emissions through the tailpipe during combustion; the larger engines produce proportionally more because they burn more fuel.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2022 Charger's fuel economy ranges from 12 city/20 highway (6.2L Hellcat) to 25 city/32 highway (plug-in hybrid), depending on engine choice and driving conditions.
  • All 2022 models meet federal Tier 3 emissions standards, but larger engines produce more total emissions because they consume more fuel.
  • The plug-in hybrid version runs on battery power for short trips and produces zero tailpipe emissions in electric mode.
  • Real-world fuel economy typically runs 1 to 3 miles per gallon lower than EPA estimates, depending on driving habits and road conditions.

Engine options and their fuel consumption ratings

The 3.6-liter V6 is the base engine across most 2022 Charger trims. It produces 292 horsepower and delivers 16 city/27 highway fuel economy. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and represents the most fuel-efficient gasoline option in the lineup.

The 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder sits in the middle of the gasoline lineup. It produces 300 horsepower and achieves approximately 18 city and 27 highway miles per gallon, making it slightly more efficient than the base V6 despite higher power output. This engine also uses an eight-speed automatic.

The 5.7-liter V8 is the most common performance engine in the 2022 lineup. It produces 370 horsepower and returns 16 city and 25 highway. This engine powers most R/T and higher trims and pairs with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission depending on the model.

The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the Hellcat trim produces 717 horsepower but achieves only 12 city and 20 highway fuel economy. This engine is designed for maximum performance rather than efficiency. The plug-in hybrid pairs a 3.6-liter V6 with an electric motor and 16-kilowatt-hour battery pack, rated at 25 city/32 highway on gasoline and approximately 100 miles per gallon equivalent when running on battery power.

How EPA fuel economy tests work and why real-world numbers differ

The EPA tests fuel economy using standardized driving cycles in a laboratory setting on a dynamometer, not on actual roads. The test simulates city driving at speeds up to 60 miles per hour and highway driving at steady speeds. Because real driving involves traffic, hills, cold starts, and varying speeds, actual fuel economy typically runs 1 to 3 miles per gallon lower than the EPA estimates for most drivers.

Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and highway speeds above 65 miles per hour all reduce fuel economy below EPA ratings. Conversely, steady highway driving at moderate speeds and smooth acceleration can sometimes match or slightly exceed EPA estimates. The 2022 Charger's large weight (around 3,700 to 4,500 pounds depending on engine) means it consumes more fuel in stop-and-go traffic than lighter vehicles.

Emissions standards the 2022 Charger meets

All 2022 Dodge Chargers comply with federal Tier 3 emissions standards, which took effect in 2017 and continue through 2025. Tier 3 limits nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to smog and air quality problems. The standards are the same nationwide; individual states cannot set stricter limits on new vehicles, though California has historically received exemptions to set its own standards.

The catalytic converter and oxygen sensors in every 2022 Charger monitor and reduce harmful emissions during combustion. Larger engines produce more total emissions because they burn more fuel, even if they meet the same per-gallon emissions limits as smaller engines. The plug-in hybrid produces zero tailpipe emissions when operating in electric mode, though charging the battery uses electricity from your local power grid.

Plug-in hybrid versus gasoline engine trade-offs

The 2022 Charger plug-in hybrid (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or PHEV) offers zero tailpipe emissions for daily commutes under 32 miles on battery power alone. After the battery depletes, the 3.6-liter V6 engine engages and the vehicle operates like a traditional hybrid, using both engine and motor to improve efficiency. The battery charges from a standard 120-volt household outlet (though slowly, taking 10 to 14 hours) or a 240-volt Level 2 charger (taking 2 to 3 hours).

The trade-off is cost and interior space. The plug-in hybrid costs several thousand dollars more than a gasoline Charger and the battery pack reduces trunk space. For drivers with predictable daily commutes under 30 miles, the plug-in hybrid can run almost entirely on battery power and produce zero tailpipe emissions most days. For drivers who regularly take long road trips or lack access to a charger, a gasoline engine may be more practical.

Maintenance and how it affects emissions performance

A well-maintained 2022 Charger produces emissions within EPA limits throughout its life. The catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and emissions control systems require no routine maintenance beyond what the owner's manual specifies. However, a faulty oxygen sensor, a damaged catalytic converter, or a loose gas cap can trigger the check engine light and cause emissions to exceed federal limits.

Using the correct fuel grade matters for emissions performance. The 2022 Charger's base and mid-range engines run on regular 87-octane gasoline, while the turbocharged and high-performance engines require premium 91 or 93-octane fuel. Using lower-octane fuel than recommended can cause engine knock, which increases emissions and reduces fuel economy. Keeping the engine tuned and replacing air filters on schedule helps the engine run efficiently and produce fewer emissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2022 Charger plug-in hybrid really get 100 miles per gallon equivalent?

The EPA rates the plug-in hybrid at approximately 100 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) when running on battery power. This number assumes the battery is fully charged and the trip is short enough to deplete it. Once the battery runs out, the vehicle switches to the gasoline engine and fuel economy drops to around 25 city and 32 highway, the same as the base V6.

What is the difference between Tier 3 emissions and California emissions standards?

Tier 3 is the federal standard that applies nationwide. California has a separate, historically stricter standard that some manufacturers meet for vehicles sold in California and a few other states that follow California's rules. The 2022 Charger sold outside California meets Tier 3; models sold in California may meet California's standard instead.

Can I improve my 2022 Charger's fuel economy with modifications?

Keeping tires properly inflated, removing excess weight from the trunk, and avoiding aggressive acceleration all improve fuel economy slightly. Aftermarket modifications like cold air intakes or exhaust systems may void the warranty and can actually reduce fuel economy if they alter the engine's air-fuel mixture. The EPA ratings assume a stock vehicle maintained according to the owner's manual.

Does premium fuel improve emissions on the 2022 Charger?

Using the correct fuel grade for your engine is necessary for proper emissions performance. If your engine requires premium fuel and you use regular, the engine may knock and produce higher emissions. Using premium fuel in an engine designed for regular fuel does not improve emissions or performance.

How does cold weather affect the 2022 Charger's fuel economy and emissions?

Cold engines burn fuel less efficiently during warm-up, so fuel economy drops in winter months. Emissions also increase during the warm-up period because the engine runs richer (more fuel, less air) until it reaches operating temperature. Once the engine is warm, emissions return to normal levels. Winter fuel blends also contain different additives that can slightly affect both fuel economy and emissions.